Day Three of the Milford Track
Trip Start
Jun 11, 2008
1
157
349
Trip End
May 14, 2009
Milford Sound,
South Island,
New Zealand
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Great news though was that it rained all night and we were to get a lot of drizzle today. This is fantastic news for the waterfalls, especially the Sutherland Falls which are the highest in New Zealand. The weather contrasts have been fantastic with the clear sunny skies for two days and now the spooky mist covered mountains today - brill. This is what I call the proper Milford Track with the rain.
The climb to Mckinnons Pass took us to 1154 metres. On our way up we passed our first bit of snow - so of course the obligatory snowball had to be made and thrown at Lorna! Good job I didn't miss or I may have caused an avalanche. Actually we did see an avalanche - we heard it from across the valley first and then saw the puff of white snow. It was only a small avalanche but it was our first!
When we arrived at the summit and Mckinnons Memorial it was extremely windy with a really cold strong wind. Walking along the edge of the pass I nearly got blown off!.......OK, OK, get the seedy blown off jokes out the way so I can carry on......you're like a bunch of big kids really! Although getting blown off at the top of a mountain would be a new one on me!
Moving swiftly on, we then walked to the edge of the cliff and looked over '12 second drop'. Bet you can't guess why it's called that can you? Apparently it takes 12 seconds to hit the bottom if you fall off. For some reason Lorna wasn't too keen on testing out this theory - spoilsport! It was a blummin' long way down though - a bit further than the Canyon Swing - and no rope!!
As we descended from the pass, we had to take an emergency route for about a mile due to a "High Avalanche Risk in the area"! Talk about filling your pants quickly! This emergency path though was harder than the original, so the knees and ankles took a bit of a hammering. The neck also took a bit of pain due to keep looking up for falling snow & rocks!
Once we had finally reached the bottom, we decided that we would punish ourselves further and walk an extra hour to Sutherland Falls. This isn't even part of the track and it goes in a different direction, but for some reason we decided to do it - mad freaks!! Got to say though, with all the rain, the falls looked magnificent - the photo's don't really do it justice. In fact, none of the photo's do the Milford Track any justice, you need to actually be here to understand how amazing this whole track is!
Anyway, here is the DOC description of today's walk :
14 km, 6 - 7 hours
The track passes above Lake Mintaro, then crosses a
swingbridge to the base of the Mackinnon Pass. From the
14-mile marker the track is a well-graded, steady, zigzag
climb of about two hours to the Mackinnon Memorial. On
the way there are excellent views of Lake Mintaro and the
Clinton Canyon. It is worth stopping for a few minutes at
the memorial to take in the view from the 12 second drop,
before commencing the final climb to the highest point of the
track and the Pass Day Shelter (1069m). It is a twenty minute
walk from the memorial to the shelter. The toilet with the best
view in Fiordland is located near the shelter. The shelter is
supplied with a gas-cooking ring during the summer season.
The 8km walk from the pass to the Dumpling Hut drops
970m steadily over rocky, uneven terrain and provides spectacular
views. For many walkers this is the most difficult part
of the track. Take regular five minute rests on the down hill
section - your knees and ankles will be very grateful!
From the pass the track continues under the Jervious Glacier
to the Moraine Creek Bridge. In October-November (or at
other times of extreme weather conditions), walkers may
be redirected down an emergency track by barriers placed
across the track, detouring away from high avalanche areas.
The Moraine Creek Bridge is the first bridge crossed on
the descent. Shortly after, the track passes the 18-mile
marker and on to a wooden boardwalk and staircase
section, beside the Roaring Burn and its numerous waterfalls.
It then continues to follow the river, with the Dudleigh
Falls located about two thirds of the way down, near the
19-mile marker. A set of rocky and uneven zigzags leads to
the bottom of the hill and the 20-mile marker.
From here turn left and cross the bridge to the public shelter,
toilet and Sutherland Falls or turn right to Dumpling Hut.
Side trip - Sutherland Falls, 1½ return. Leave your pack at
the Quintin Public Shelter and take the track on the left to
the Sutherland Falls. The falls drop 580m (1904 feet) from
Lake Quill in three stages. The track to the base of the falls
climbs steadily but is well worth the effort. For the adventurous,
try walking behind the falls.
From the shelter it is about a one hour walk to Dumpling
Hut. There is an excellent view behind of the Sutherland
Falls, about 20 minutes along the track to the Dumpling Hut,
at the 22-mile marker. Just before reaching Dumpling Hut
there is a raised boardwalk. After dark this is a good place
to spot glow worms. A good swimming hole can be found
just opposite the turnoff to the huts. In the main hut there is
an excellent track time/place guide that is well worth noting.
DOC Time : 8 Hours (including Sutherland Falls)
Total Time : 7 Hours 15 minutes (including Sutherland Falls)
Actual Walking Time : 6 Hours (including Sutherland Falls)
This evening we all huddled round a big wood burner to dry off and warm up. I do think Trev ought to get one of these in his house. If he places it in the hallway it could heat the entire house - brill. Next job Trev!?
No much more to report tonight, except that we avoided the dying cows dorm and got a good nights sleep for a change. Looking forward to the last day tomorrow......
Comments
wood burner
He's still painting the bloody doors!